Author: rickin

The predicted trend for Twilight weddings is certainly ringing true for 2025.

Held at the golden hour of the day, it seems that more and more couples are keen to exchange their vows as the sun sets capturing not only the moment but also special photographs.

It’s also proving popular for couples keen to have one big party for all guests, rather than splitting the invitation list across the full day and an evening reception.

Twilight weddings can also be more budget friendly.

Traditionally held between 1st November and 31st March, we would love to create a magical Twilight wedding to remember. For more details please contact our events team at events@alonahotel.co.uk

We recognise that there is no cookie-cutter for the perfect wedding and that each one is truly unique and individual.

That’s why we tailor each wedding request to suit the couple and as part of that approach we also offer self-catering weddings.

If you want to arrange specialist outside catering for your wedding, we’re delighted to make that happen and work alongside third party companies.

Our wedding co-ordinators are only too happy to discuss our marquee hire package which can also include two complimentary rooms to be used as changing rooms or prayer rooms.

Calling all school prom committees, our events diary is now open for 2026 season.

Following a successful celebratory season, we’ve been delighted to welcome students, and teachers, over the past few weeks to the hotel to host the most memorable night and cause for celebration in the school calendar.

We know how much planning and organisation goes into the big occasion and our events team would be delighted to welcome you to the hotel to discuss our packages, introduce our trusted suppliers, and how we can help make your school prom be a night to remember.

If you are heading for a summer graduation, let us rise to the occasion and host your special Graduation Dinner.

Whether it be for family or friends, we would be delighted to hold your celebratory event, which could be an intimate dinner or a party style meal, with a special curated menu if needed.

Relax and let us do all the work to help celebrate your achievements.

Having a wedding photographer is a top priority when it comes to wedding planning ensuring that your captured images provide memories that last a lifetime.

Choosing the right photographer who understands your style and the moments you want to capture, as well as working to your budget, is important to avoid disappointment.

Equally important is to consider the location for your wedding photography and we have plenty of variety to offer our special couples.

The luxurious surroundings of the Alona Hotel wedding marquee provides the perfect backdrop, not to mention our beautiful waterside setting overlooking Strathclyde Country Park.

For those couples looking for something quirky, we can arrange for the couple to be photographed with the Theme Park or within our striking 1950s themed American diner complete with life-size motorbike.

Whatever your choice, our wedding coordinators can recommend photographers and suggest picture perfect locations.

Sinnead Connelly and Kimberley Napier are our resident Wedding Coordinators whose roles are to support and guide our couples and ensure they have a fabulous and memorable wedding.

Experienced event organisers, Sinnead and Kimberley provide a seamless service from the moment an enquiry becomes a booking to the big day itself, designed a fantastic and tailored experience for each couple.

When it comes to offering advice the two agree that organisation and planning are key to a successful wedding day.

Kimberley, who is in the midst of planning her own wedding said, “We always advise clients to start planning about eighteen months before their wedding date. Throughout this time we are regularly in touch with clients.  We arrange an initial show round and planning meeting and then arrange to see the couple four months before the big day, then four weeks and finally two days before.

“We discuss menu plans, colour schemes, accommodation requirements and much more.  It’s always important to keep in regular contact as well with suppliers out with the hotel to ensure that they are up to speed with all the planning.”

Sinnead continues, “It’s a great feeling when you see the happy couple on their big day and you know that you’ve helped contribute towards such a memorable event.  We start working on a wedding about 8am on the day and then stay with the couple until they sit down for the wedding meal in the evening.

“Usually, it’s the brides that are very thankful, but we recently had one groom who was so thankful, he cried. It was really touching.”

And when it comes to unusual requests the coordinators simply take them in their stride.  Sinnead adds, “We recently had a request from a bride for her dogs to walk down the aisle ahead of her.  They were complete in their tuxedos, and it was lovely.

“We also have many requests from couples who want to be photographed on the carousel in the Theme Park and even the thrill rides.  But in our job, nothing is ever too much trouble.”